A leaflet titled ‘Human Trafficking – Reading the Signs’ has been designed by Police Scotland to increase awareness of potential indicators of Human Trafficking. Visit www.scotland.police.uk.
The leaflet, which had input and endorsement from the Scottish Government and other partners, will be distributed via the Scottish Business Resilience Centre throughout the business community across Scotland.
Human trafficking is the exploitation of adults and children. This can take many forms including sexual exploitation and labour exploitation and serious and organised crime. Although it is sometimes referred to as ‘hidden crime’, often some of the indicators displayed by victims are apparent and simply require recognition and action.
On many occasions it is people known to the victim who carry out the trafficking; however trafficking also has the authorities say links to organised crime.
The Scottish Government recently introduced a proposal for a human trafficking statutory aggravation to the Scottish Parliament which will allow any trafficking dimension to be taken into account during prosecution for other offences.
In April 2013, the National Human Trafficking Unit was established within the single police force for Scotland to address the issues and target those responsible who are benefiting from the vulnerabilities of others.
Members of the public and private industry are asked to be vigilant to potential signs of Human Trafficking, the indicators of which are contained within this leaflet. Signs such as the removal of documents, fear and anxiety, poor living conditions, lack of access to earnings, no time off, threats against their families and perception of debt bonding.
Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Head of Major Crime and Public Protection said: “Human beings are not commodities to be bought or sold. Police Scotland will pro-actively target any individual who is believed to be taking advantage of desperate and vulnerable people or willing to trade misery for profit.
“Officers from the newly formed National Human Trafficking Unit will also continue to work with partners to identify victims and investigate those involved in these crimes. Anyone found to be a potential victim of trafficking or any other crime will be provided with assistance and support from Police Scotland and respective partner agencies.
“It is crucial that members of the public, who become aware of potential signs of Human Trafficking, report any concerns to police.”
The SNP Justice Secretary Mr Kenny MacAskill said: “Human Trafficking destroys the lives of those who are exploited by criminals and forced into manual labour, sex or domestic servitude.
“The Scottish Government, alongside our partners, committed to do more to tackling this abhorrent crime at the recent Human Trafficking Summit and the launch of this aware-raising initiative is proof that we are making significant inroads.
“There is no doubt that the key to eradicating this crime is partnership working. It is what happens on the ground that makes a difference to the individuals involved, be they victims or traffickers themselves. That is why this collective approach is so important and influential for work going forward.
“We have shown our commitment by introducing a proposal for a Human Trafficking statutory aggravation to the Scottish Parliament, giving our law enforcement agencies a powerful new tool in their fight against this heinous crime and allowing us to collectively stand shoulder-to-shoulder to show criminals that Scotland is closed for business to traffickers.”
And the Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland QC added: “Human trafficking is one of the most contemptible crimes committed. I totally support this initiative to help disrupt and stop those individuals who use human beings for profit. The Crown will prosecute wherever there is sufficient evidence of human trafficking.
“Scotland’s prosecutors will also continue to work with the police and the Scottish Government in tackling human trafficking; we will bring all members of the criminal justice system and other organisations together for a human trafficking conference in Glasgow, in October this year.”
If you have information that will held lead to the identification and recovery of trafficked victims in the UK, you should contact Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101. Or, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
